Democrats projected to take Congress in blue wave fueled by Trump, economy discontent

Democrats are projected to gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives and a significant number of Senate seats in the upcoming midterm elections. This so-called "blue wave" is driven by voter discontent with the economy and President Donald Trump, according to projections from ABC News and various polls.

Democrats have already flipped at least six Senate seats, including in traditionally Republican strongholds such as Kansas and South Carolina. They have also gained at least a dozen House seats and several governorships in red states, marking historic victories in several cases.

In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott, denying him a fourth term. In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to win the Senate race, replacing the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who held the seat for 23 years. Similarly, in North Carolina, former Governor Roy Cooper is set to win the Senate race, flipping the traditionally Republican seat blue.

The president's approval rating has dropped to 37%, with a record-high 62% disapproval rating, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll. About two-thirds of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the economy, a trend that is expected to have implications for both domestic and foreign policy, especially regarding the ongoing war with Iran, rising inflation, and record-high fuel prices.

Despite his efforts to rally support among voters, Trump has urged Americans to "pretend I'm on the ballot" when they vote in the midterms. He has claimed he will not be on the ballot, but later tweeted that he is "not on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!" Trump has also expressed willingness to work with Democrats if elected, but has posted a "VETO" hat on social media, implying his intention to use his veto power if necessary.